On January 25, Pretoria Capitals held Sunrisers Eastern Cape to a shutout 126, winning by three runs at Centurion’s SuperSport Park in a low-scoring thriller.
After winning the toss, the reigning champions decided to bowl first. While Phil Salt produced a thrilling cameo of 20 runs off of nine balls, the other batters were unable to establish a rhythm. With 52 runs scored, the Caps lost half of their side in the PowerPlay.
Pretoria Capitals reached the three-figure milestone thanks to a vital 52-run partnership off 46 balls between Jimmy Neesham (27 off 26) and Shane Dadswell (24 off 26). But the Capitals could not muster a strong finish, as both players were removed in short succession, and they were eventually bowled out for 125 in 18.3 overs.
Their bowling effort would have satisfied Aiden Markram and company. But the hitters were unable to support it. In the first ten overs, they lost four wickets and only managed to score 41 runs. With a 40-run combination, Patrick Kruger (22 off 21) and Tristan Stubbs (35 off 30) attempted to save the innings. But Wayne Parnell, the captain of Pretoria, tied the score with two runs in the fifteenth over.
The Sunrisers fell from 72/4 to 102/9, requiring 24 runs to win off the final 10 deliveries. Liam Dawson struck several hard blows during his undefeated 29 off 16 balls to keep the batting team in the chase. On the final ball of the game, Daryn Dupavillon tried a scoop but was unable to connect, requiring four runs off the ball.
After suffering two straight losses, Pretoria managed to win, and securing a low-scoring draw will boost Parnell and company’s confidence. In the meanwhile, Markram’s team will aim to recover when they play MI Cape Town on Saturday, January 27.
‘X’ users’ reactions to the exciting clash were as follows:
That last over bowled by Daryn Dupavillon 🥶 Big character and a massive heart shown there, especially the last two deliveries after getting hit for a maximum. Well done Dupie! 😎👌 @SA20_League #WelcomeToIncredible #SA20 #PCvSEC #Cricket 🏏 pic.twitter.com/vGithMm6fZ
— Suleman Modan (@Figjamfan) January 25, 2024
SEC can’t make “Stubbs of niks” their whole approach when chasing more than 60. Almost every run he has made in this tournament has been under massive pressure while chasing. Where is the top 4? #PCvSEC
— Kelly R (@KelRo736) January 25, 2024
Superb Knock Liam Dawson 29*(16).
2500 T20 Runs for Liam Dawson.@SunrisersEC #PCvSEC #SA20 @hantscricket— JaayShaan (VaidhyaJayaShankar) (@JaayShaan) January 25, 2024
What a result for the PC’s!! Brilliant stuff… and breathe Fordy!!! #PretoriaCapsSA #SA20 #PCvSEC 🏏 ☘️ #RoarSaamMore pic.twitter.com/exft0b2dVA
— Trevor Freeman (@trevorfreeman67) January 25, 2024
Pretoria Capitals defend the paltry 125, win by 3 runs. Capping off an incredible day of cricket 💛#SA20 #PCvSEC
— 🔁 (@Tutterdotcom) January 25, 2024
What a bowling Dupavillon ✅
Pretoria Capitals Win💥
What a Game🔥#PCvSEC #Betway #SA20
— The Cricket TV (@thecrickettvX) January 25, 2024
Best Match of the season
What a sport 🥵🥵
— 🔥Lord Of Light ❤️ (@Lord_OfLight) January 25, 2024
Incredible scenes at SA20 as someone in the crowd catches the ball in 1 hand🤣🔥#SA20 #PCvSEC
— 🔁 (@Tutterdotcom) January 25, 2024
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